Filipino Voters Say They Are Looking for Change, Jobs

Filipinos heading to vote in today’s mid-term elections in the Philippines expressed a desire for change and new leaders to tackle such problems as government corruption, weak educational opportunities and an unruly health care system.

“I hope that the new leaders will set aside their own interests and put the concerns of the people first,” said Karen Roxas, 19, a veterinary medicine student who was voting for the first time.

Josephine Cuneta/The Wall Street Journal

Karen Roxas, 19, cast her first votes in Monday’s mid-term elections in the Philippines.

Roxas said she kept in mind a controversial law currently delayed by the nation’s high court that would give free birth control to the poor. The battle pitted President Benigno S. Aquino III against the Roman Catholic Church.

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“Every sperm by itself has a life. I am a medicine student. I know that human life begin at fertilization when the sperm penetrates the egg,” Ms. Roxas said.

Twelve of the Senate’s 24 seats are up at the national level. In addition, all 229 House seats are being contested as well as governorships and local offices.

The Senate seats are of particular importance to Mr. Aquino’s Liberal Party, because he could tilt its ideological flavor toward his agenda. Under Philippine law, a president can only serve one six-year term, so Mr. Aquino has three more years to accomplish his goals. The opposition is the United Nationalist Alliance, which is led by Vice President Jejomar Binay and former President Joseph Estrada.

Voters expected long queues as the 12-hour voting period ends at 7 tonight.

Zaite Calderon, a 64-year-old businesswoman said she was voting for jobs.

“With the new set of leaders, I am hoping that businesses will increase, [with] more available jobs for Filipinos here …. Currently, business is not doing good. I am experiencing hardship,” she said.

Nelson Demetillo, a 44-year-old hairstylist and makeup artist, said he wants new faces to win in today’s races.

“We don’t need to vote for the candidates who have already served the country…. We should look for good servants to be good leaders in this country. Not old politicians with the dirty tricks,” he said.

Citas Sugue, a 57-year- old Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting volunteer, said she wants whoever is elected to focus on fixing long-standing problems.

“This age of modern technology, our complaints to the politicians will be heard faster. So the leaders should really prioritize the bills that need to be passed – education, health, infrastructure,” she said.

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